Mbabane – Eswatini’s annual inflation rate rose slightly to 2.9% in October 2025, up from 2.8% recorded in September, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Economic Planning & Development. Despite the month-on-month uptick, inflation remains lower than the 3.3% rate recorded in October 2024.
The marginal rise in inflation was largely driven by increases in the cost of housing and utilities, alcoholic beverages, and clothing and footwear. Housing and utilities contributed 1.2 percentage points to the headline figure, maintaining their position as the leading inflation driver.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics followed closely with a 0.7 percentage point contribution, reflecting a sharp 13.8% year-on-year increase, particularly in the price of spirits and beer. Clothing and footwear accounted for 0.3 percentage points, linked to a 5.7% annual rise in the category.
Overall, goods inflation stood at 3.3%, while services inflation was recorded at 2.3%, showing a relatively steady price movement in the services sector compared to goods.
Month-on-month inflation went up by 0.4%, reversing the flat 0.0% registered in September. However, not all categories recorded increases. The restaurants and hotels sector fell by 4.2%, largely due to lower accommodation costs, offering consumers some relief. The health sector recorded a 3.5% increase, marking a slower rise in the cost of medical services and pharmaceuticals.
The CSO announced that the next CPI releases are scheduled for 15 December 2025, 15 January 2026, and 16 February 2026.
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